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1/21/13, 2:58 PM   #1
stiff vs. flexible chassis
D.L. 122
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Any input on which is better? My car has only the stock bracing and my friends car has alot of aftermarket chassis bracing which stiffens his car up? Is the stiffer chassis a benefit?
 
1/21/13, 6:22 PM   #2
Racer12
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It depends on what you are going for. A flexible chassis may provide better handling for a short time if designed properly. A stiffer chassis will most likely be heavier and require more mechanical grip from your suspension. So in my opinion go with the lighter and flexible chassis. No better time than to run to full potential than now.

Bob

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1/21/13, 8:00 PM   #3
Re: stiff vs. flexible chassis
motorhead748
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probaly the obvious question is... who is faster? you or your buddy?
Seriously I doubt there is any one answer. If it were that simple all cars, or at least the ones up front, would be built the same.
 
1 member likes this post: D.L. 122
1/21/13, 8:12 PM   #4
Re: stiff vs. flexible chassis
D.L. 122
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Thanks for the input! I just wondered because I had been told that the stiifer the chassis the more consistant the car would be.
 
1/22/13, 10:28 PM   #5
Racer12
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Well it all depends on what your goals are. If you are ready to run up front and be competitive NOW the go with flexibity. If you are wanting to learn get seat time and just get experience then go with the stiffer chassis. Just keep in mind that if things are stiffer that the weakest link will break in a crash. What class of car are you running?

Bob

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2/6/13, 12:07 PM   #6
Re: stiff vs. flexible chassis
TQ29m
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Quote:
Originally Posted by D.L. 122 View Post
Any input on which is better? My car has only the stock bracing and my friends car has alot of aftermarket chassis bracing which stiffens his car up? Is the stiffer chassis a benefit?
Depends on what is considered stock bracing, and what is "aftermarket"! You can build a stiff chassis, and not use anymore tube, than you would for a "soft" chassis. Bracing is a matter of placement and angle's. Myself, I prefer a stiff, or rigid chassis, there is nothing more frustrating than having something that is an unknown, effecting your adjustability of the chassis, and the changes you make, it is the job/function of the suspension to make this possible, if the chassis is too flexible, or so flexible that to make a noticable adjustment, you have to reposition an arm, or stop, or bar or coil, you only get good at changing these parts, if, on the otherhand, the chassis is stiff, or rigid, you can make small, 1/8th turns on the stops, or coils, and tell a difference, then you don't have to disassemble the chassis, to get it done. JMHO, but I'd vote for the rigid chassis. Bob
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Reply Indiana Open Wheel > Indiana Open Wheel Forum > stiff vs. flexible chassis





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